Architecture Decision Log (ADL)
A collection of all Architecture Decision Records for a project or organization.
An Architecture Decision Log (ADL) is the collection of all [[Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)]] created and maintained for a particular project or organization.
Purpose
An ADL serves as:
- A centralized repository of architectural decisions
- A historical record of how the system evolved
- A reference for understanding past decisions and their context
- A tool for onboarding new team members
- A way to track decision states and changes over time
Organization
ADLs are typically organized by:
- Chronological order (by decision date)
- Status (proposed, accepted, deprecated, etc.)
- Domain or subsystem
- Related [[Architecturally-significant Requirements (ASRs)]]
Related Concepts
- [[Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)]] — the individual records that make up an ADL
- [[Architecture Decision (AD)]] — the decisions documented in ADRs
- [[Architecturally-significant Requirement (ASR)]]
- [[Engineering Strategy]]
Definition based on standard software architecture practice.